Development Success at Grade II* Listed Property in Suffolk

Evolution Town Planning have achieved a range of planning and listed building consents for the renovation and expansion of The Old Rectory in Drinkstone. This historic building is considered to be of particular importance, and as such, is listed Grade II*, which accounts for only 5.8% of listed buildings in England.

Grade II* buildings are very strictly protected, and therefore any proposed changes have to be very carefully considered and negotiated with the Local Planning Authority. This was a difficult project as both Historic England and Mid Suffolk District Council’s Heritage Officers took a keen interest in the property and the proposed changes to ensure that there was no harm caused to the character or setting of the property.

Starting with a pre-application meeting on site with Building Inspectors from Historic England and Heritage Officers from Mid Suffolk District Council, we worked through the proposed changes to the building and pushed for officer support for the proposed development scheme. This included extensive negotiation to secure support for the project.

This successful strategy achieved planning permission and listed building consent for a large modern extension to the rear of The Old Rectory, providing an open plan kitchen, dining, and living area. In addition, permission was obtained for a detached indoor swimming pool and gym building, which has a footprint of over 300 square metres, and a separate Carport. SOUP Architects, an award-winning architectural practice, created a contemporary design which complements The Old Rectory while providing a clear contrast to the historic building.

Additionally, a separate planning and listed building consent has been obtained to renovate the entire basement of this protected building, gaining permission for the existing rooms, which were badly affected by damp and water ingress, to be converted into three habitable rooms, a wine store, and a W/C, including a new external staircase entrance. This includes the removal and rearrangement of significant areas of the existing building to create large habitable rooms.

Planning permission has also been obtained to convert a barn in the curtilage of The Old Rectory into a large two storey workshop and home office.

Work is currently underway on the extension and renovation works, and we have been pleased to be able to achieve the consents which have allowed the sympathetic adaptation of this highly protected building to suit our clients’ family requirements, and preserve the property long into the future.